Jon Heyman: Cubs likely envision Julio Teheran as more than just insurance
(Audacy) There are enough question marks in the Cubs rotation that the addition of right-hander Julio Teheran on a minor league deal doesn't necessarily mean the veteran starter is ticketed for a lengthy run at Triple-A Iowa.
Chicago signed the 33-year-old Teheran to a minor league deal Sunday, according to reports. He has bounced around since his nine-year run with the Braves came to an end following the 2019 season, and he spent 2023 with the Brewers, who at the time were led by current Cubs manager Craig Counsell. Teheran made one start with the Mets this season but was designated for assignment and elected free agency upon clearing waivers.
Teheran made 14 appearances (11 starts) with the Brewers last season, posting a 4.40 ERA. Now, he joins a Cubs rotation that has ace Justin Steele and right-hander Jameson Taillon with injuries and veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks underperforming. Shota Imanaga, Jordan Wicks, Javier Assad and Ben Brown have been rounding out the rotation.
While those four have been solid early on, it isn't exactly a proven group, and Audacy MLB insider Jon Heyman believes Teheran could soon get his chance to start for the Cubs.
"He was really good for Milwaukee last year," Heyman said. "That was only a year ago, he's not that old. Obviously, he threw a lot of innings early for the Braves, so he may not last as long as some others. But he's pretty young, he was pretty good last year. You can never have too much pitching, sorry for the cliche, I think it's a good signing.
"I'm sure there were many, many teams that were looking at him, and he sees an opportunity (in Chicago). So, I would think it's not just insurance, I think they're probably expecting him to make some starts for this team. They have enough questions, as you mentioned, between Steele, Taillon, and Hendricks, that he'll probably make starts. He was very good last year for Milwaukee and Counsell knows him.
"It's a good signing, a smart thing to do. I'm surprised he didn't go to one of the more desperate teams like Houston, they've got a whole rotation worth of guys on the injured list right now. But maybe he wants to be on a team that looks like a contender too, so probably smart for him to do this."
